A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Solider

Several months after his admission to the Benin Home, Ishmael tells Esther that he has nothing to live for because his family members are all dead. In response, she tells him to think of her as his sister. He participates in a talent show by performing a monologue from Julius Caesar and a rap selection. Visitors in the audience from UNICEF and related organizations are impressed by his performance. The center’s director, Mr. Kamara, invites Ishmael to be a spokesperson on the “issue of child soldiers” (169), and Ishmael is excited to emphasize publicly that children can be rehabilitated. When Mohamed, Ishmael’s childhood friend, arrives at the center, both boys are overjoyed to be reunited and to reminisce about their youth in their hometown of Mogbwemo.

Meanwhile, Leslie works on a residential plan for Ishmael upon his release from the center. He locates Tommy, Ishmael’s paternal uncle, who resides in Freetown. Gregarious and goodhearted, Tommy immediately offers Ishmael a home with his own family and visits the center every weekend until Ishmael is discharged. Eventually, Ishmael meets Tommy’s wife and four adopted children. To spare Ishmael embarrassment, his foster siblings are not advised of his past as a child soldier, and the family members welcome him with great hospitality and affection.